Tribe trusts Bauer can go in Game 2
Right-hander’s bloody pinkie resulted in early ALCS exit
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians believe Trevor Bauer will be able to get through his start in Game 2 of the World Series tonight without much of an issue from his lacerated pinkie.
They said that before Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in Toronto, too, and he couldn’t get out of the first inning without covering his cleats and pants in blood. With an extra week for his finger to heal, the confidence is the same. They just hope the result is different.
“I was confident last week, and I said that I didn’t think the finger was going to get in the way, and I’m going to say the same thing again this week,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “I don’t think that finger’s going to be the reason he wins or loses. Now, I said that last week, too.”
Bauer threw about 20 pitches Monday night to test the finger and it held up, allowing him to start tonight against Chicago’s Jake Arrieta. Josh Tomlin will then start Game 3 in Chicago.
If something does go wrong again, the Indians will have the off-day to support the bullpen should it be called into extra duty.
Cleveland also made one roster change, including All-Star Danny Salazar in place of Cody Anderson in a swap of right-handed pitchers.
Salazar, 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA in 25 starts, hasn’t appeared in a game since Sept. 9 because of tightness in his right forearm. He pitched a simulated game Sunday. MORE CUBS: Center fielder Dexter Fowler hoped to find a long-term deal elsewhere last offseason, and at one point he appeared headed to the Baltimore Orioles.
He ultimately returned to the Cubs and helped them reach the World Series for the first time since 1945. His entire focus is on helping the Cubs try to win their first World Series since 1908, but he concedes that he’ll be open to consider the rival Cardinals when they search for a center fielder this winter.
“I’d consider anything,” Fowler said when asked if he will consider the Cardinals this winter. “I always like to keep my options open. But right now it’s about finishing up this and seeing where it takes me.”
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has made no secret his desire to improve the center field position this winter. Fowler is likely to be one of the top center fielders on the free-agent market this winter.
Fowler signed a one-year, $8 million contract with Chicago in February with a club option for 2017.
RED SOX: Boston plans to operate without a full-time general manager for now. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced that intention Tuesday in naming Eddie Romero the team’s new senior vice president and assistant general manager.
Romero and senior vice president and assistant general manager Brian O’Halloran will report directly to Dombrowski and assist in all aspects of baseball operations going forward.
ANGELS: First baseman/designated hitter C.J. Cron is having a medical procedure to relieve pain in his left thumb. He will need six to eight weeks of recovery time, the team said.
DIAMONDBACKS: Arizona hired Amiel Sawdaye as senior VP and assistant GM under Mike Hazen.
The hiring is the first move made by Hazen since he became Arizona’s GM last week.